A family dog was carrying the bat in its mouth and is now being quarantined for observation, because the bat tested positive for rabies.

Four of Los Angeles County’s 13 rabid bats thus far in 2013 have been found in the SCV — more than the SCV’s fair share, but it’s the “new normal” for the past three years.

It’s a sad case but a good reminder to vaccinate your pets.

If county Department of Animal Care and Control officers suspect your pet has been exposed to rabies and cannot prove that its vaccinations are current, they will quarantine the animal for six months.

If your vaccinations are current, the pet will be put under 30 days’ home detention.

If you see a bat flying during daylight hours, flopping around on the ground, showing a keen interest in the dog dish or lying dead, don’t touch it. Call the Castaic Animal Care Center instead at 661-257-3191.

KHTS AM 1220

As Santa Clarita’s only local radio station, KHTS mixes in a combination of news, traffic, sports, along with your favorite adult contemporary hits by artists such as Rob Thomas, Taylor Swift, Katy Perry and Maroon 5. KHTS is a vibrant member of the Santa Clarita community. Its broadcast signal reaches all of the Santa Clarita Valley and parts of the high desert communities located in the Antelope Valley. The station streams its talk shows over the web, reaching a potentially worldwide audience.